Hamilton County, TN

Hamilton County Office of Economic and Community Development

tennessee

Suburban | Population: 379,864

Hamilton County, Tennessee, faces a pressing substance use disorder (SUD) crisis, with 63% of individuals in jail estimated to have SUD and high recidivism rates due to inadequate treatment and reentry support. The jail has historically maintained individuals on medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) but has not initiated new individuals on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

Key COSSUP Initiatives

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Implement a comprehensive MAT program at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center, including MOUD induction for inmates who remain in custody beyond 48 hours.

Creation of a dedicated therapeutic pod to support jail-based MAT services.

tREATMENT & REENTRY PLANNING

A license-eligible and supervised clinician develops individualized reentry plan.

PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists will mentor incarcerated individuals, support reentry efforts, and provide relapse prevention services.

Anticipated Benefits of Project

• Reduction in overdose fatalities

  This project aims to reduce overdose fatalities through access to timely and effective treatment, including medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD). 

• Increased public safety

  This project aims to increase public safety through seamlessly transitioning individuals from treatment in custody to community-based treatment. 

• Increased treatment compliance

  With the support of peer recovery specialists and dual-diagnosis treatment services, this project aims to increase treatment compliance and effectiveness. 

Collaborative Partners

• Hamilton County Office of Economic and Community Development

• Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office

• Quality Correctional Health Care

• The McNabb Center

Project Director

Sarah Spencer, Deputy Director of Administration
Hamilton County
sarahs@hamiltontn.gov
423-834-4248

This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.